Micrurus nigrocinctus

Micrurus nigrocinctus
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Elapidae
Genus: Micrurus
Species: M. nigrocinctus
Binomial name
Micrurus nigrocinctus
(Girard, 1854)
Synonyms

Elaps nigrocinctus Girard,1854

Micrurus nigrocinctus, commonly known as the Central American coral snake, is a species of venomous elapid snake that ranges from southern Mexico through Central America (except Belize) to northwestern Colombia.[1] There are six recognized subspecies, including the nominate subspecies described here.[2]

Contents

Common names

Central American coral snake. In Spanish: Serpiente-coralillo centroamericana,[2] Coral Centroamericana, coralillo, gargantilla, salviara, limlim, babaspul, coral macho.[1]

Description

The Central American coral snake is capable of growing to 115 cm (45 in), but most are closer to 65 cm (26 in). They have smooth scales, a rounded head, and eyes with round pupils. Its color pattern can vary from two-colored to three-colored. with black, yellow and red banding.[1] The snout is black. Halfway the head, there is usually a yellow ring (in three-colored specimens) or a red ring (in bi-colored specimens). Color pattern on the body consists of often fairly broad red bands separated by much narrower sets of yellow-black-yellow bands. The numbers of black bands on the body may vary from 10 to 24, and an additional 3 to 8 on the tail.

Geographic range

It ranges from southern Mexico through Central America (except Belize) to northwestern Colombia, and the west Caribbean. It is mainly found in lowland rain forest, lowland dry forest, thorn forest, lower montane wet (or moist) forest, and lower montane dry forest, usually at elevations up to 1,300m.[1]

Behavior

It is mainly a terrestrial snake that often dwells in burrows, leaf litter, or under logs. Like most coral snakes it is usually nocturnal, though it may also be active at dusk and dawn, and sometimes after rainfall. It feeds on other snakes, small lizards, amphibians, and invertebrates.[1] While usually not aggressive, it will bite when molested or restrained.[1]

Venom

The Central American coral snake's venom contains a strong neurotoxin, causing neuromuscular dysfunction.[1]

Subspecies

There are six recognized subspecies of Micrurus nigrocinctus:

  • Micrurus nigrocinctus babaspul Roze, 1967
  • Micrurus nigrocinctus coibensis Schmidt, 1936
  • Micrurus nigrocinctus divaricatus (Hallowell, 1855)
  • Micrurus nigrocinctus mosquitensis Schmidt, 1933
  • Micrurus nigrocinctus nigrocinctus (Girard, 1854)
  • Micrurus nigrocinctus zunilensis Schmidt, 1932

References